Headquartered in The Dalles, Oregon, Columbia River Bank (CRB) operates 22 branches and offers an array of services that go beyond those of a traditional local bank. For its 50 remote employees, CRB used Outlook Web Access, an integrated component of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 that enables access to e-mail, schedules, and other information using only a Web browser and an Internet or intranet connection.

But because security and ease of access to information and communications are critical for meeting the bank’s growth targets and for complying with banking industry regulations, CRB needed to enhance remote access to corporate communications.

Turning to Ascentium for a solution, CRB decided to participate in the Microsoft Technology Adoption Program for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, which enabled the company to deploy a beta version of the latest release of the communication and collaboration software.

Deployment of Exchange Server 2007 was a logical step for CRB, which was already running the Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition operating system on its two Intel-based server computers. The process required careful planning to minimize disruptions and risk.

In addition to improved security and access, the new deployment enables CRB to leverage the increased integration of its communications platforms and offers greater readiness for future expansions of Exchange Server features.

IT Manager for CRB Nathan Church says, “We would recommend Ascentium to other companies, including banks and financial institutions that have plans to deploy Exchange 2007.”